This cache has been set to mark the 90th Anniversary of the last running of the Schneider Trophy air race. This final race involved seaplanes competing over a triangular course in the eastern Solent and was at the forefront of engine and aircraft development for high speed flight. The 1931 race was due to include entrants from France, Italy and Great Britain, although development issues (including a fatal crash) and delays meant that France and Italy withdrew, leaving Great Britain to (somewhat controversially) compete unhindered - giving them a third consecutive win within 5 years and thereby retaining the Trophy outright.
Based in Calshot, the Great Britain team comprised of three Supermarine seaplanes (designed by R.J. Mitchell of Spitfire fame). On 13th September 1931, the winning Schneider flight was performed by Supermarine S.6B S1595, piloted by Flt. Lt. John Boothman, having attained a recorded top speed of 340.08 mph (547.19 km/h). Reports suggest up to 500,000 people lined the shores to watch the race.
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This multi cache takes in points of interest at Calshot relating to the race where you can collect information to generate the final co-ordinates:
Stage 1 - Sunderland Hangar (N50° 49.106' W001° 18.473' at the posted co-ordinates)
Now the home of Calshot Activities Centre, this hangar was a Seaplane and Flying Boat station and also the base for the 'High Speed Flight' winning Schneider Trophy team. From the top plaque: 'Sunderland Hangar ABCD'
Stage 2 - Calshot Airfield info (N50° 49.049' W001° 18.492')
From the top of the information board: //CALSHOT AIRFIELD (EFGH - JKLM)
Final Co-ordinates
You will find the cache at: N50° 48.D (F-H) (A+C)' W001° 18.(L-G) L (J+M)'
Stealth is needed at GZ, hence a checker and detailed hint are given.
